Large tropical house plants are not difficult to grow, although they require specific attention. The satisfaction of nurturing big, beautifully lush plants is well worth the effort involved. Along with species-specific recommendations, following these general guidelines will help keep these gentle giants healthy.
Your prized vegetation was domesticated from regions of the world that are consistently bright, warm, and humid. It’s important to replicate this environment as much as possible within your own home’s microclimate.
Temperature
Set your thermostat on a fluctuating schedule, allowing half the day to be cooler than the other. If you work during the day, keeping the temperature lower while you’re gone can also help save on energy costs. However, it’s more natural for plants to experience warmer temperatures when the sun is shining. They will still respond well to a consistent cycle of warmer and cooler air.
The temperature fluctuation doesn’t need to be extreme, but without it, plants may struggle to thrive and may not bloom. Their natural habitat follows a day-night cycle, with daily warm and cool periods corresponding to the sun’s natural patterns. These plants are programmed by genetics to expect these temperature changes, so try to accommodate them.
Plants tolerate an average range from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with the higher end of that range being more ideal. While many plants can survive in cooler temperatures for extended periods, they won’t thrive. Some species of large tropical house plants originate from climates that experience cold periods outside the ideal temperature range.
Keep in mind that, in the wild, these plants typically enter an unattractive dormant state during extreme temperatures. Simulating dormancy with a cold period for your plants isn’t ideal, as they become less aesthetically pleasing during this time.
Light
Plants must receive the right kind of light in the correct amount. Without enough light, they will grow slowly and may not rebloom. They’ll also appear weak and straggly, with long, stretched stems that lack strength.
Set up your home with garden lights to create a larger, more inviting atmosphere. These lights, however, are secondary benefits to creating an environment where houseplants will thrive. You can choose from standard fluorescent light bulbs or high-intensity discharge bulbs, depending on the needs of your plants.
Research your specific species to find out if it prefers low, medium, or full (high) light. Window sunlight might be enough for one side of the plant, but rotating it weekly is necessary to keep it from growing unevenly. However, this still may not provide the full light it needs.
Fluorescent lights are adequate for most standard houseplants. Warm or cool white bulbs are just as effective as “plant growth” bulbs, but they tend to be much cheaper. Larger tropical plants, on the other hand, appreciate high-intensity discharge (HID) lights with brighter wattage. Avoid cheap, inefficient bulbs, as they often emit more heat than light.
Humidity
Large tropical house plants need humidity just as much as warm temperatures and ample light. No matter your climate, they will appreciate a mist of clean water on their foliage once in a while. Use a spray bottle to mist your plants weekly or as needed.
For a monthly treatment to remove sunlight-blocking dust, mites, mold, and other issues, add a small capful of vinegar to a large spray bottle of water. Mist the tops and bottoms of the leaves thoroughly and gently wipe them in a single direction. Be cautious not to crack or split the leaves. Dry or brittle leaves are natural signs of dehydration. If your plants have been under-watered, take extra care when handling the leaves.
Spraying foliage is just one part of creating the right humid environment. Unless your climate is naturally very humid, you may need to take extra steps to ensure there’s enough moisture in the air. If you notice the leaves swelling, twisting, or turning red or brown, avoid misting, as these are signs of excess humidity.
If you need to increase humidity, consider adding a medium to large fountain or water feature near your plants. This can be an attractive addition to your decor and help raise humidity levels in your home. This is especially useful for plants placed near heaters or air conditioners, where forced air dries them out quickly.
Medium-sized potted plants can also be placed on a tray filled with pebbles and water. The evaporation from the tray will help balance the humidity. In this setup, the entire pot sits on the pebbles, and you water the plant as usual, while the pebbles are kept covered with water separately from the plant itself.
Soil Drainage
While humidity in the air and moisture in the soil are both essential, they are two different things. Some plant owners mistakenly think their houseplants are getting enough humidity because the soil stays moist. In reality, the soil for adult houseplants should never remain continuously wet.
Proper soil drainage is essential to preventing the growth of mold spores and fungus. Roots must not sit in pooled water, or they will develop these problems, among others. They need adequate air and nutrients, and stagnant water will deprive them of both. Watering your plants with chlorinated municipal water can have the same negative effect.
Ensure your plants are in the correct potting medium for their species, age, and size. For example, large orchids should be placed in coarse orchid mix or bark, while some tropical plants prefer more peat. Most standard tropical houseplants do well in high-quality potting mix.
Watering patterns have an even greater impact on plant health than soil type. There must be a balance between the two, and these combinations vary according to the plant type. As a general rule, give your houseplants a thorough soaking only when the top inch or so of soil is dry. Water enough to saturate the soil, but stop before the water pools in the bottom collection tray.
Large tropical house plants should never be allowed to dry out completely. If you’re sprouting from seeds or cuttings, a moist potting medium is necessary. Otherwise, avoid over-watering established plants, as you could literally “kill them with kindness.” You wouldn’t fill your gas tank when it’s already full—don’t water your plants if the roots are still wet.
Note: Many tropical houseplants are toxic. Choose plants that won’t pose a risk to pets or children if ingested. Some of these poisonous plants are said to have medicinal properties when used in controlled doses. These possibilities add to the allure of growing large tropical houseplants and should be considered when selecting the right ones for your home.
